Word Origin & History

duplicity early 15c., from M.Fr. duplicite, from L.L. duplicitatem (nom. duplicitas) "doubleness," in M.L. "ambiguity," from duplex (gen. duplicis) "twofold." The notion is of being "double" in one's conduct.

Example Sentences for duplicity

Has diplomacy been entirely stripped of fraud and duplicity?

Evidently he had entertained a hope that his duplicity had not been discovered.

To effect their unhallowed purpose required boldness and duplicity.

I had sacrificed her honor on the altar of my duplicity and lust!

He charges them with duplicity, and avows that he loathes their king like the gates of hell.

This duplicity could not be concealed from Clive and Watson.

Sometimes the women are enigmatical: one does not know if they are acting out of kindness or from duplicity.

Vices, other than duplicity, he had none, as we use the word.

He had taught her duplicity, but he was aghast at her skill in practising the lesson she had learned.

When they talk about my duplicity, they mean that they want a monopoly of the article themselves.